The occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employees maintain 3-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) when climbing or descending a ladder.
While maintaining three points of contact is important, maintaining three points of control is critical. Three points of control involves a worker using three of their four limbs for reliable, stable support while climbing a ladder. A worker climbing a ladder with a tool in their hand can maintain contact with the ladder but not a firm grip (control) on the ladder rung. Make sure to practice three-point control. It provides for a greater level of safety when climbing ladders.
Also remember to:
- Inspect the ladder prior to use.
- Face the ladder while ascending and descending.
- Hoist tools rather than carrying them.
- Keep the belt buckle between the rails of the ladder.
- Install a barricade, use caution tape, or traffic cones to keep traffic away from the ladder.
- Have a coworker foot the ladder to prevent ladder “kick-out.”
Source: Joe Mlynek is president of Progressive Safety Services LLC, Gates Mills, OH: joe.mlynek@progressivesafety.us, and content creation expert for Safety Made Simple Inc., Olathe, KS; joe@safetymadesimple.com